1️⃣. Sea water
Sea water contains salt and minerals that dry out the mouth, temporarily reducing saliva production. Yet saliva is your best natural shield against bacteria. After a prolonged swim, you may notice a feeling of dryness and a lingering salty taste.
2️⃣. Chlorine in swimming pools
Swimming pools treated with chlorine or specific disinfectant products have a more acidic pH than pure water. Over time, this pH can weaken tooth enamel and irritate the mucous membranes. In regular swimmers (several hours a week), yellowish-brown deposits sometimes appear — known as "swimmer's tartar" — linked to increased mineralisation of dental plaque.
3️⃣. Prolonged swimming
Spending a long time in the water can encourage dehydration and reduce the protective salivary film, leaving your teeth and gums more exposed to external aggressors (bacteria, acidity).
Good habits before and after swimming
- Stay well hydrated
Drink water before, during, and after swimming to maintain good saliva production.
- Rinse your mouth after each session
After getting out of the water, simply rinse your mouth with fresh water to remove any salt or chlorine residue. This is enough to restore a more neutral pH.
- Brush your teeth after 30 minutes
If you have been swimming for a long time, wait around 30 minutes before brushing. Immediately after exposure to chlorine or salt water, enamel can be temporarily weakened. Waiting allows saliva to remineralise it naturally.
- Use a remineralising toothpaste
Choose a toothpaste that strengthens enamel and respects the microbiome.
The Smilist Whitening Remineralising Toothpaste is a great option to help your teeth remineralise after these exposures.
- Protect sensitive gums
If you are prone to irritation, opt for a gentle alcohol-free mouthwash that soothes and rebalances the flora. We recommend The Smilist Anti-Plaque Whitening Micro-Essence which is particularly well suited.
Regular swimmers: a word of caution
If you swim several times a week:
- Have your teeth and gums checked 1 to 2 times a year.
- Let your dentist know about your regular swimming practice.
- Watch out for the appearance of stains or rough patches.
- Use a soft brush and a remineralising toothpaste every day. The ultra-soft polishing toothbrush with 10,000 bristles from The Smilist is ideal for a gentle clean after swimming!
In summary
Does chlorine really damage teeth?
Yes, in large doses and over the long term, chlorine can disrupt the oral pH, weaken enamel, and encourage tartar build-up. That is why rinsing after every swim matters.
How do I know if my teeth are being affected by the pool?
Brownish stains, a feeling of dryness, or increased sensitivity may be signs. Speak to your dentist if you are a regular swimmer.
Swimming is excellent for morale and physical health. With a few simple habits, you can make it perfectly compatible with a healthy smile!
Take care of your smile — it deserves just as much attention as your skin or hair during the summer!
Christiane
Dentist & co-founder of The Smilist
